Billy Graham - Tone down Christmas celebrations to focus on Christ

Q: Which is more important in your view, Christmas or Easter? I admit that Christmas always wears me out, and I find myself wishing some of the celebrating could be transferred to Easter. — Mrs. H.G.

A: This is almost like asking which wing of an airplane is more important! Both Christmas and Easter are equally important, for both were part of God’s plan to save us and open heaven’s door for us.

As Christmas approaches this year, take time to reflect again on what actually happened in that humble stable over 2,000 years ago. You know the story: Mary and Joseph had been summoned to their ancestral town of Bethlehem to take part in a census ordered by the Roman government — and while they were there, Mary delivered her first-born child and laid Him in a manger (or feeding trough).

But who was that child? He wasn’t just another baby; He was God in human form, sent from Heaven to save us from our sins. And one day He would give His life for us, and then be raised from the dead on that first Easter. Because He came into the world at Christmas... and died and rose again at Easter... we can have hope — both for this life and the life to come.

Recently I heard someone talk about “de-cluttering”, or cleaning up, their home. Perhaps you need to “de-clutter” your Christmas this year, by getting rid of some of the things that cause you stress, and focusing instead on Jesus. Like the shepherds on that first Christmas night, may you hear the angels’ song of joy — and then may you say with them, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about” (Luke 2:15).